STACS - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benefits for Substitute Teachers and Casual Staff (STACS)?

Benefits for Substitute Teachers and Casual Staff (STACS) is a package of life insurance and health benefits offered to substitute teachers and casual staff on a voluntary basis by the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan.

You can choose from the following four packages:

Package 1: $25,000 Life Insurance, $25,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D), Extended Health Care (Single)

Package 2: $25,000 Life Insurance, $25,000 AD&D, Extended Health Care (Family)

Package 3: $50,000 Life Insurance, $50,000 AD&D, Extended Health Care (Single)

Package 4: $50,000 Life Insurance, $50,000 AD&D, Extended Health Care (Family)

Plus. . . for an additional premium you can add Dental Care to any of these packages.

Please note: you must take all benefits (Life Insurance/AD&D and Extended Health Care) as a package; you cannot selectively choose benefits. If you choose Dental Care it becomes part of your benefits package.

Who is eligible?

Substitute teachers and casual staff are eligible to participate if they are:

on an ASEBP participating employer's roster of substitute teachers or in a casual staff pool (participating employer’s teacher group must have ASEBP benefits); and
under age 65, or if still actively at work, under age 70; and
a resident of Canada; and ineligible for group employment benefits through an ASEBP participating employer or other school jurisdiction; and
not participating in ASEBP early retirement benefits

Life Insurance/AD&D is for you only (single coverage). For Extended Health Care and Dental Care (if selected) you can choose single or family coverage. If you choose single coverage for Extended Health Care you can only choose single coverage for Dental Care. If you choose family coverage for Extended Health Care you can only choose family coverage for Dental Care. Family coverage allows your spouse/partner and dependent children to participate in these benefits.

What else is it important for me to know about Dental Care coverage?

You can only take Dental Care as an add on to your selected benefits package (i.e. Package 1, 2, 3 or 4 as described above). Once you have chosen Dental Care it becomes part of your benefits package and you can only change your Dental Care coverage status (i.e. single to family or family to single) in combination with your Extended Health Care coverage. You cannot have Dental Care coverage on its own.

If you choose to add Dental Care to your package at a later date, you can do so; however dental deductibles will apply. If you add Dental Care to your package at initial enrollment and wish to drop it entirely at a later date you can do so independently of the rest of the package; however dental deductibles will apply if you subsequently wish to reinstate it.

What are dental deductibles?

Dental deductibles may apply to Dental Care coverage for a variety of reasons, many of which are described in this Frequently Asked Questions section. Dental deductibles if applicable are as follows: $500 per covered person for basic and major services combined. Deductibles remain in place until the deductible is satisfied or 12 months have elapsed from the effective date of coverage, whichever comes first.

How do I enroll?

You must 'self-report' by using the Declaration of Eligibility to Participate in STACS form or by calling us directly. You need to provide this information within 31 days of being placed on the roster or in the casual pool. If you miss this window you will have to provide medical evidence of good health and if Dental Care coverage is selected, dental deductibles will apply.

When is coverage effective?

If approved, benefits for you (and your dependents where applicable) take effect the first day of the month following the day we receive the completed enrollment.

How long does coverage last?

Once approved, benefits continue unless you voluntarily drop coverage, fail to pay premiums, or are no longer eligible to participate.

What if I become eligible for other benefits?

If you accept a contract position with a school jurisdiction and you are eligible for benefits through that contract (with ASEBP or another benefit carrier) you must let us know within 15 days by completing a STACS Change Application form. Your STACS benefits will be suspended for the duration of the period you are eligible for benefits through that contract.

When you are near the end of your contract, you must complete another STACS Change Application form, and forward it to ASEBP within 15 days of the end of your contract if you wish your benefits to be reinstated. Failure to do so will result in a break in coverage and you will then become a late applicant.

How do I submit changes?

Changes to your enrollment information can be made using the STACS Change Application form or by contacting ASEBP in writing. Fax and email notification is accepted.

Examples of changes include changing from single to family coverage for Extended Health Care and Dental Care (where applicable), reducing or increasing Life Insurance/AD&D amounts, adding or deleting dependents, changing address information, etc. For more information refer to the STACS General Provisions section of this website, or consult a Benefits Specialist at the number below.

Changes to beneficiary information can be made using the Appointment of Beneficiary(ies) – Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance form.

How much does coverage cost?

Premium rates are set annually. Any changes are normally effective September 1 each year. For more information about rates and the most current ones contact ASEBP.